Pikes Peak peak
Pikes Peak rises to 14,109 ft in Rocky-Mountains within the Front Range range.
It is the highest peak in the southern Front Range of the Rockies. The mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the cities of Colorado Springs and Denver. Its summit can be reached by a scenic highway, a cog railway, or by hiking one of the several trails available.
During the winter season, Pikes Peak experiences heavy snowfall due to its high elevation. The snowpack ranges from 50 to 100 inches (127 to 254 cm) on average, creating ideal conditions for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The mountain's extensive snow-covered slopes attract outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
Pikes Peak is also known for its numerous creeks and rivers that derive from its snowmelt. These include the Arkansas River, Fountain Creek, and the South Platte River. The mountain's runoff serves as a vital water source for the region, providing irrigation and drinking water to nearby communities.
The name "Pikes Peak" honors Zebulon Pike Jr., an American explorer who led an expedition to the area in 1806. Interestingly, he never reached the summit and referred to it as the "highest point" he saw. The mountain has also been a subject of legends and lore, inspiring the famous song "America the Beautiful" written by Katharine Lee Bates. Pikes Peak continues to be an iconic symbol of the American West, attracting adventurers and nature lovers alike.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Rocky-Mountains range.
Snowpack near Pikes Peak
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sawtooth | 1 in | → |
| Medano Pass | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Glen Cove | 1 in | → |
| Lake Eldora | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Sawtooth | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc South Colony | 2 in | → |
| South Colony | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Medano Pass | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Pikes Peak
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Fountain Creek At Pueblo | 157 cfs | → |
| Beaver Cr Abv Upper Beaver Cemetery Nr Penrose | 6 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River Above Pueblo | 315 cfs | → |
| Turkey Creek Ab Teller Res Near Stone City | 0 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River At Parkdale | 391 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Pikes Peak
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Pikes Peak.
Ski areas
- Arapahoe Basin
- Copper Mountain Resort
- Eldora Mountain Resort
- Ski Cooper
- Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area
- Terry Peak Ski Area
River runs
Get Pikes Peak on your phone.
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